Vibrating wall continuous casting mold

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for continuous casting of metal having a cavity formed by a plurality of flexible mold sections which minimize the problems of mold warpage by thermal expansion. Resilient backup for the mold sections for controlling mold cavity contour, improved mold section operating means and arrangement therefor is also provided.

Unite Stes atem Wognum et al.

[451 June 27, 1972 [54] VIBRATING WALL CONTINUOUS CASTING MOLD James N.Wognum; Emil Simich; Alvin L. Winkler, all of Chicago, Ill.

lnterlake Steel Corporation, Chicago, 111.

Nov. 28, 1969 [72] Inventors:

Assignee:

Filed:

Appl. No.:

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 643,562, June 5, 1967,Pat. No. 3,528,487.

US. Cl ..164/260, 164/83 Int. Cl. ..B22d 11/00, 822d 27/08 Field ofSearch ..164/4, 82, 83, 260, 261, 280, 164/283,l54, 150

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,075,264 l/l963 Wognum...164/83 3,237,252 3/1966 Ratcliffe... .....164/280 3,364,980 1/1968Loewenstein. 164/260 X 3,483,918 12/1969 Wognum... ...164/83 X 3,494,41l 2/1970 Reihman ..164/83 Primary Examiner-R. Spencer AnnearAtt0rney-William P. Porcelli [5 7] ABSTRACT Apparatus for continuouscasting of metal having a cavity formed by a plurality of flexible moldsections which minimize the problems of mold warpage by thermalexpansion. Resilient backup for the mold sections for controlling moldcavity contour, improved mold section operating means and arrangementtherefor is also provided.

12 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures ll llllllliin i| PATENTEDJUHN F972 3,672,436

sum 2 or 7 PATENTEUJUMN I972 SHEET 6 0F 7 VIBRATING WALL CONTINUOUSCASTING MOLD This application is a division of application, Ser. No.643,562, filed June 5, 1967, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,528,487, issued Sept.IS, 1970.

This invention relates to the art of continuous casting and particularlyrelates to improvements in continuous casting in a machine of thevibrating mold type as, for example, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,075,264 inthe name of James N. Wognum.

The type of continuous casting machine is one having a cavity extendinglongitudinally through it, the cavity being open at its opposite endsand formed by the inside surfaces of a plurality of vibrating moldsections located around the cavity, one of the open ends of the cavitybeing the receiving end through which molten metal can be introducedinto the cavity and the other end being for discharge of the metal afterit is solidified as a casting as it passes through the cavity. The moldsections may be vibrated in closed orbital paths to drive the castingbeing formed in the cavity through the cavity.

One of the problems associated with the operation of this i type ofcontinuous casting machine is created by thermal expansion of the moldsections which creates an undesirable warping of the mold sectionswhich, if permitted, can bind the machine and make it inoperative.Previously, solution of this problem has been sought by employing largermasses of metal for the mold sections to counteract the warpage byreliance on the strength of the extra metal. Experience shows thatobjectionable differentials in expansion of different parts of the moldsections due to the various temperature differentials is not arrested bythe use of the added metal. Instead, applicant has discovered far morecan be accomplished by the use of flexible and resilient mold sectionsof relatively small cross section and of minimal metal mass. By the useof flexible mold sections, application has found that the mold sectionscan be retained in their proper shape without warpage, even thoughthermal stresses are present. Therefore, it is the principal object ofthis invention to provide an improved continuous casting machineemploying flexible mold sections of relatively small mass which,although subject to thermal stresses due to temperature differentials,can be easily retained in a proper configuration without objectionablewarpage.

In order to accomplish the aforesaid object, it is another object of theinvention to provide resilient backing means for each mold section whichcan be used to apply forces along the mold sections to keep them intheir proper configuration when subject to the tendency for warpage dueto the thermal stresses.

This can be accomplished by employing resilient means, such as springs,or by means of inflatable cushions, as another example, and in otherways.

One of the current problems with continuous casting machines, alsoinvolving thermal considerations, is that there is a tendency for thecasting to shrink away from the internal side walls of the mold as thecasting solidifies. The result is that the casting portions out ofcontact with the mold are difficult to cool properly. For this reason,even though coolant is circulated through openings in the mold itself,the lack of contact between the casting and the mold reduces theconduction of heat from the casting to the mold where the heat can beremoved by the coolant. In fact, this separation of the casting from themold leaves an air or gas space which is a poor conductor of heat whichacts more like a heat insulator. For this reason, it is common to employwater spray cooling on the portions of the casting exiting from themold. Water spray cooling is in some instances objectionable because itdoes not permit the casting to be transported directly from the moldinto a controlled atmosphere for purposes of retaining a bright finishon the surface of the casting. In order to overcome this problem, it isanother object of this invention to provide a mold havingflexible moldsections which can be insured of contacting the external wall surfacesof the casting so that efiicient transfer of heat can be effected fromthe casting through the internal walls of the mold and to the coolantcirculating through the mold without necessarily requiring additionalexternal cooling, as by water spray cooling, for example.

Especially when casting high alloy metals, it is desirable to employmolds of long length in order to insure that sufficient wall portions ofthe casting freeze thick enough so that the casting skin does not breakand allow hot metal from the core of the casting to pour out through itwhich is a dangerous condition and one which causes a poor surfacecondition. With high alloy metals, the freezing range of the metal isvery wide and this is the reason why more mold time is desired. However,in other molds, as the casting cools, it shrinks away from the mold wallsurface and the cooling by lack of contact with the mold sectionsbecomes inefficient. In fact, it seems that the mold for coolingpurposes, should be no longer than the length which remains in contactwith the casting. Thereafter, since the mold is very ineffective forcooling by conduction, it is desirable to employ a water spray directedonto the casting emerging from the mold section. But, this suggestsshortening the mold when the high alloy material indicates the oppositerequirement that the mold should be longer. Due to the increasedassurance of proper cooling in the mold for its entire length because ofthe improvements of this invention, it is another object of theinvention to provide an improved mold which can be made in longerlengths to accommodate those situations requiring the longer lengths.

Another object of the invention is to provide flexible mold sectionswhich are connected only at one end to the mold section supportstructure. This permits the mold sections to freely lengthen and shortenlongitudinally as heating and cooling occur. This further minimizes thestresses due to temperature differentials causing thermal expansion andcontraction.

In order to maintain high heat transfer through the mold sections alongtheir lengths, efforts have been made to provide special contours forthe mold walls according to the expected thermal shrinkage of thecasting as it progresses through the mold. However, this has beenrelatively unsuccessful because different contours are required for eachdifferent metal used because the different metals expand or contract bydifferent amounts when subject to the same temperature differentials.Further, if advancement speed of the castings through the mold varies,each different speed suggests that a different contour be required. Itis an object of this invention to provide a flexible mold section sothat the mold can be employed with many different metals of differentphysical thermal properties and be operated at many different speedswithout requiring any special predetermined contouring of the moldsections to overcome difficulties created by uneven thermal expansionand contract and which can be adjusted while operating to cause the moldsections to deflect into proper contours according to the actualshrinkage contours of the castings.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved modulartype of construction for a continuous casting machine involving acasting unit module having all of the basic casting components containedwithin it which lends itself to ready insertion or removal in acontinuous casting system and which has its major moving parts housed indust-proof enclosures.

It is another object of the invention to provide a modular continuouscasting machine having an improved radial construction readilypermitting basic components to be employed for changeover to castdifferent sizes of cross section of castings.

It is another object of the invention to provide a continuous castingmachine which can be assembled and disassembled readily for easy accessto all parts of it.

It is still another object of the invention to provide such a machinewhich has an improved driving arrangement for causing the mold sectionsto vibrate through their orbital paths, including suitable vemieradjustment means for fine adjustment of the spacing of the mold sectionsrelative to each other.

It is another object of the invention to provide improved linkagemechanism in the driving means for the mold sections, which linkageprovides the desirable vibratory paths for the mold sections.

It is also another object of the invention to provide a resilient takeupfor any play existing between the operating shafts and the bearingssupporting them so that the linkage mechanisms employed are withoutlooseness, even though there are no precision fits at the bearingconnections.

Because it is desirable to have the individual mold sections fluidcooled by passing the coolant through bores extending internally throughthe mold sections and to have the mold sections easily removable fromthe casting machine assembly, it is necessary to have quick disconnectsbetween the fluid coolant inlets and outlets to the mold sections. It isan object of this invention to provide improved disconnects which eitherautomatically connect or disconnect the fluid coolant outlets and inletsor which can be operatively connected or disconnected to the moldsections. The means for accomplishing this can be by use of a connectingtubular piston which abuts against the mold section by means of springpressure to close the connection or by means of fluid pressure.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved comerinserts mounted between adjacent mold sections for the purpose ofminimizing leakage of liquid metal from the casting at the corners ofthe mold while the casting is propelled through the mold. These improvedcorner inserts are made flexible and provided with relatively flexiblebackings which may be further backed by resilient members urging thecorner inserts into intimate contact against the mold sections andthereby seal the flow of liquid metal from between the interfacesadjacent mold sections and corner inserts to follow the changeablecontours of the flexible mold sections.

It is another object of the invention to provide certain proximitydevice behind each mold section for the purpose of indicating externallyof the mold that the contacting mold surfaces are in complete contactwith the casting surfaces. These proximity or sensing devices providesignals for detecting and indicating this information while the mold isin operation. This is important because it is necessary for accuracythat the mold sections be adjusted dynamically during the castingoperation so that the mold sections are accurately relocated to thechanging sizes of the shrinking or expanding portions of the movingcasting while the casting is being progressively cooled.

It is another object of this invention to provide a continuous castingmachine of the type described which has adjustable means at both theupper and lower ends of each mold section to allow for radial adjustmentof either of the mold sections as required. This allows the lower endsof the mold sections to be radially shifted relative to the upper endsof the mold sections in order to compensate for the shrinkage of thecasting as it solidifies.

It is another object of the invention to provide retainer blocks for themold sections which are relatively rigid and made of material withrelatively low susceptibility to thermal warpage at the operatingtemperatures of the machine. This provides relatively rigid backup meansfor the mold sections even though the mold sections themselves areflexible. It is important that the backup means for the mold sections berigid in order to provide dimensional stability to the apparatus.

Other objects and advantages of the invention should become apparentupon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of continuous casting machine madeaccording to the invention in the form of a modular unit;

FIG. 1a shows a cross-sectional view of a spring retaining meansemployed with the unit ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 2 shows a horizontal cross section of the major functional parts ofthe mold portion of the preferred embodiment of the continuous castingmachine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view, primarily from the rear, of a moldsection support and the mold section it supports;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view, primarily of the front portion of theapparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective exploded, partially cutaway and partialsectional view of a mold section and its related components separatefrom its support indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 5a shows a cutaway sectional view of an alternate construction ofmold section to that shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 5b shows a partially cutaway sectional and exploded perspectiveview of one form of resilient cushion employed as a backup for a moldsection;

FIG. 50 shows a cutaway portion in section of an alternative form of ofresilient backup means for mold section,

FIG. 5d shows a cutaway portion in section of still another alternativeform of resilient backup means,

FIG. 52 shows a cutaway portion in section of still another alternativeform of resilient backup means,

FIG. 6 shows a partially cutaway sectional and perspective view of alinkage box, including the linkages and drive shafts for vibrating amold section;

FIG. 6a shows a sectional view along the line 6a-6a of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a partially exploded perspective cutaway and sectional viewof a comer insert and mounting structure for it; and

FIG. 7a shows a partially cutaway and sectional view of the lowerportion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

The preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 consists of anentire continuous casting machine 1 containing all of the basiccomponents of the machine in a modular unit. The machine is providedwith an upper rigid plate 2 and a lower rigid plate 3 which are spacedfrom each other and extend in planes parallel to each other. The upperplate is provided with four grooves 4 extending at right angles to eachother and radially outward from the center line 5 of the castingmachine. The lower plate 3 is also provided with four radially extendinggrooves 6 which extend directly opposite the grooves 4. These grooves 4and 6 function as keyways for relatively long rectangular keys 7 (FIG.6) which are also keyed into grooves 8 provided in the upper and lowersurfaces 9 and 10 respectively, of a linkage box 11. In the particularembodiment shown, there are four linkage boxes 11 because there are fourmold sections operated. Of course, if fewer or more mold sections areemployed, there will be required a linkage box 11 for each mold sectionto be vibrated.

These linkage boxes 11 are suitably positioned and located radiallybetween the upper and lower plates 2 and 3 and then secured in placesuitably by means of screws 12 extending through the plates 2 and 3 andthe keys 7 and into the upper surfaces 9 of the linkage boxes 11.

Surrounding each linkage box 11 is a mold section support 13 which isdriven by means of the linkage and shafts contained therein, ashereinafter more fully described. Each of the mold section supports 13supports a mold section 14. Each mold section support 13, particularlyshown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, consists of a longitudinal frame member 15joined to two side plates 16. The side plates are substantiallytriangularly shaped and provided with a rear brace 17 bridging betweenthem. The frame member 15, the side walls 16 and the rear brace 17 aresuitably connected by welding or screws into an integral box-like shape.The upper regions of the side plates 16 are provided with round openings18 and the lower portions are provided with other round openings 19. Ashereinafter described, these openings 18 and 19 provide journals for theends of certain shafts which are driven through orbital paths to causethe mold section supports 13 to move through corresponding orbitalpaths.

In order for the machine to cast a casting having a substantially squarecross section, the principal functional parts of the machine arearranged as shown in FIG. 2. Four mold sections 14 are alternatelypositioned with mold sections 14 in pairs facing each other so that theinside surfaces 14a of the four mold sections 14 face inwardly towardthe center of a cavity formed by the mold sections 14 through which thecasting 20 is propelled by the mold sections 14. As previouslymentioned, each mold section 14 is supported by a frame member 15.

Each of these frame members is provided with a T-shaped groove 21extending for its entire length. This groove 21 is bounded by twoinwardly extending lips 22 having rear surfaces 23 against which edgeflanges 24 of each mold section can abut as a limit on the movement ofthe mold section inwardly toward the center line of the mold cavity. Arear wall 25 of the frame member 15 provides the bottom surface of theT-shaped groove 21.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each mold section 14 is spaced fromthe rear wall 25 by means of an inflatable cushion or pillow in the formof a tube 26 which can be inflated to bear against the mold section 14and urge it inwardly toward the center of the mold cavity. To act as aspacer shield and partial insulator between the mold section 14 and theinflatable cushion 26, a flat stainless steel strip 27 is positionedbetween the rear wall 14b and the front wall 26a of the cushion 26.

The purpose of the inflatable cushion 26 is to provide a continualpressure substantially uniformly along the entire length of a moldsection 14 to counteract any tendency of the mold section 14 toobjectionably bow or otherwise warp and to allow the mold section 14 tobe displaced relative to its frame member 15 when the inside surfaces14a of the mold sections are brought firmly into contact against thesurface 20a of the casting 20.

In the co-pending application of James N. Wognum, Ser. No. 601,738,filed Dec. 14, 1966, there is disclosed the use of corner inserts forminimizing leakage at the comer regions between the mold sections 14. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 2, these corner inserts 27 are ofsubstantially square cross section and positioned between the side wallsof adjacent mold sections 14 to bridge the corners 28 of the casting 20.Similarly, to maintain the comer inserts 27 in position, a T- shapedbacking plate 29 is provided with its leading edge abuting against theinsert 27. This backing plate has two shoulder surfaces 30 which arelimited in their movement toward the center of the mold cavity by othershoulders 31 on a frame member 32 which are surfaces of a T-shapedgroove 33 extending longitudinally along the frame member 32. Providedin the groove 33 is another inflatable cushion or tube 34 which, wheninflated, bears against a flat retaining strip 35 which in turn pressesagainst the rear surface of the backing plate 29 to urge the backingplate into contact with a corner insert 27. The corner inserts 27 arepreferably made of small cross section, as indicated, and of a materialsuch as graphite which has a smooth surface and is a good heatconductor.

One embodiment of the mounting construction for a mold section is shownin FIG. 5. The frame member 15 is also substantially T-shaped withflange portions 15a providing the means for securing the side walls 16thereto. The central region of the frame member 15 is provided with abore 36 through which coolant fluid is introduced for maintaining thetemperature of the mold section 14 at its proper level. Secured to therear lower face of the frame member 15 is a manifold 37 which carriessuitable openings for the proper'introduction of coolant and air underpressure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5,the manifold has an opening38 leading to the bore 36, an opening 39 leading to the bore 40 and anopening 41 leading to the bore 42. There is also an opening 43 whichleads to a bore 44 which is a conduit for two wires 45 leading to andfrom a proximity device 46, as hereinafter more fully described.

The same coolant that is introduced into the bore 36 returns after ithas passed through the upper length of the frame member 15 and throughopenings 14c extending through the mold 14 until it reaches the bore 42and passes out through the opening 41 in the manifold 37.

Air under pressure is introduced through the opening 39 into the bore 40where it passes through the central bore 47 of a tube 48 around whichthe tubular stem 49 of the inflatable cushion 26 is positioned to allowthe cushion 26 to be inflated. This provides the resilient backup forthe mold section 14, as previously described upon reference to FIG. 2. Asuitable packing plug 50 is provided in an enlarged portion 51 of thebore 40 in order to suitably retain the pin 48 and the tubular stem 49.

As indicated in FIG. 5, the inflatable cushion 26 extends for asubstantial distance from adjacent the bottom of the frame member 15 toa location indicated at 52. Also, the mold section 14 is unrestrained inlongitudinal sliding movement relative to the frame member 15 except atthe upper end of the frame member 15 where suitable retaining means isprovided from which the mold section 14 is hung. This retaining meansconsists of a retainer block 53 which is provided with a hollow bore 54which connects with the bore 36 of the frame member 15 at an abuttingregion 55. The bore 54 has a front surface 56 which closely abuts therear surface 14b of the mold section 14. A transverse rectangularlyshaped key 57 extends in suitable keyways 58 and 59 provided in the moldsection 14 and the retainer block 53 respectively. In order to assemblethe mold section into its proper location, the retainer block 53 iskeyed to the mold section 14 and manually together they are lowered intoplace from the upper end of the frame member 15. After positioning, setscrews 60 threaded through openings in the upper rear portion 15b of theframe member 15 are tightened against the rear wall 53a of the retainerblock 53. In addition, an upper end cap 61 is positioned against theupper end of the retainer block 53 and upper end of the portion 15b ofthe frame member 15 and held in place by means of screws 62 as a furtherretaining means for the retainer block 53.

The bore 54 of the retainer block 53 is L-shaped to lead into the upperends of the bores of the mold section 14 so that there can be a completecircuit of flow of coolant through the frame member 15, the retainerblock 53 and the mold section 14.

At all necessary junctures between the parts where there is fluid flowof coolant, suitable O-rings are provided to prevent leakage. Forexample, an O-ring 63 is provided at the upper end of the assemblybetween the bore 54 of the retainer block 53 and the bores 14c of themold section 14.

With the arrangement shown, it should be apparent that the mold section14 is truly hung from the upper end of the frame member 15 and it isfree to expand and contract longitudinally as it is guided in theT-shaped opening 21 of the frame member 15. This lack of restraint,minimizes the tendency to bow or warp which is evident in moldconstructions having fully restrained mold sections.

In order to maintain a leakproof seal at the lower end of the moldsection 14 which is free to deflect radially of the machine, a plunger64 is provided in the bore 42. The plunger 64 is provided with a helicalspring 65 encircled about it which reacts against a wall 66 of the framemember 15 and an annular flange 67 on the plunger 64. The spring 65urges the plunger toward the opening 41 in the manifold 37. When themold section 14 is properly positioned, air is supplied through the bore40 to inflate the inflatable cushion 26. Simultaneously, the air isdirected through another small bore 68 leading to an annular region 69in the rear of the annular flange 67. The air pressure urges the plunger64 in a direction away from the opening 41 in the manifold 37 and towardthe mold section 14. The end of the plunger 64 is provided with anO-ring 70 which is thereby urged into intimate contact around theopenings leading to the bores 14c of the mold section 14 to therebyprovide a fluid type connection. When it is necessary to remove a moldsection 14 for replacement or repair, the air pressure is removed fromthe bore 40 which relieves the pressure in the inflatable cushion 26 andagainst the annular flange 67 of the plunger 64 so that the springreturn relieves the pressure of the O-ring 70 from against the moldsection 14. At that time, upon suitable loosening of the set screws 60and the screws 62, the mold section 14 can be removed from the upper endof the assembly.

The proximity device 46 is one which provides a signal in the form of achange in DC voltage when there is a change in the presence of metaladjacent the front surface 46a of a detector 46b. A suitable proximitydevice is one which can be purchased from Bently Nevada Corp., Box I57,One Airport Road, Minden, Nevada. The change in presence of metal issensed by the detector 46b which is connected by the wires 45 to adetector driver 46a which has a DC voltage output which varies with thechange in presence of metal at the detector. The variation in voltageoutput can be visually indicated on a meter 46d.

A proximity device 46 is provided in each mold section sup port andthere is a corresponding detector driver 46c and meter 46d for eachproximity device 46. In operation, the mold sections 14 are placed intheir orbital vibratory paths by means of their mold section supports 15suitably driven through the drive systems mentioned by means of themotors 140. With no casting metal present, the inflatable tubes 26 keepthe mold sections 14 pressed radially toward the center of the mold sothat the edge flanges 24 of each mold section abut against the rearsurfaces 23 of the inwardly extending lips 22 on the mold sectionsupports 15. As casting begins, the metal casting travels through themold cavity of the machine. The metal adjacent the top of the mold fillsthe cavity and presses against the inside surfaces 14a of the upper endsof the mold sections 14. However, ordinarily the casting shrinks as itprogresses through the mold cavity so that there is a tendency for themold portions of the inside surfaces 14a of the mold sections 14 to beout of contact with the casting at its lower end. To overcome this, theeccentric adjustments are made on the pins 130 to adjust the links 133radially inwardly toward the center line 5 of the mold cavity until theinside surfaces 14a of the mold sections contact the casting. Theindication that contact has been made by a mold section against thecasting is when a cyclical pulsing of increasing and decreasing voltageappears on the meter 46d. This signifies that the mold section 14 iscyclically pressing against the casting as its edge flanges 24reciprocate away from and toward the lips 22 of the mold section support15. In order to make the proper adjustment, the eccentrics on the pins130 are adjusted until the cyclical voltage variations on the meters 46dare pronounced and then the eccentric adjustments are made until thecyclical voltage variations are minimal. That point is reached when theedge flanges 24 of the mold sections 14 no longer reciprocate back andforth away from the lips 22 of the mold section supports 15.

The proximity device 77 indicated in FIG. 5a is of the same kind asproximity device 46 and it is suitably connected by wires to a detectordriver and a meter similar to items 46c and 46d for proper operation.Its adjustment is in an identical manner for the mold section 72 as forthe mold section 14 when employing the proximity device 46.

As an alternate to the mold section support indicated in FIG. 5, thereis another embodiment shown in FIG. 5a. There are basically the samecomponents but their structures are somewhat different. There is amanifold 71 corresponding to the manifold 37, a mold section 72corresponding to the mold section 14, a frame member 73 corresponding tothe mold section 14, a frame member 73 corresponding to frame member 15,an inflatable cushion 74 corresponding to inflatable cushion 26, a bore75 through the frame member 73 corresponding to bore 36, a bore 76corresponding to bore 40, a proximity device 77 corresponding to thesame device 46 and a plunger 78 corresponding to plunger 64. There isalso a spring 79 which acts reversely of the spring 65. Spring 79 urgesthe plunger 78 toward the mold section 72 rather than away from it, asdoes spring 65.

The lower end of the mold section 72 is provided with a sloped surface80 which reacts against the leading surface 81 of the plunger 78 whichis urged against the mold section 72. The plunger surface 81 is likewisedirected along the same angular inclination as the surface 80 and theplunger 78 is guided in a bore 82 which is similarly sloped and whichcarries the spring 79. With this construction, as the mold section 72 islowered into position, its lower surface 80 cams against the surface 81of the plunger 78 and the plunger 78 remains in contact with the moldsection 72 by the action of the spring 79, regardless of the relativeposition of the mold section 72 radially relative to the center of themold. This system of maintaining a fluid-type connection at the lowerend of the mold section 72 has the advantage that no air pressure isrequired. Instead, reliance on a spring is all that is necessary.

Another significant difference is the manner in which the mold section72 is suspended from the upper end of the assembly. The upper end of themold section 72 is provided with a keyway 83 which engages with ashoulder 84 of a retainer block 85. The retainer block 85 has a slopedbottom surface 86 which mates with a correspondingly sloped surface 87at the upper end of the frame member 72. For assembly purposes, the moldsection 72 is assembled to the retainer block 85 by engaging theshoulder 84 with the keyways 83. In assembled fomi the mold section 72is then lowered into a T-shaped slot corresponding to the slot 21 in theframe member 15. Another surface 86 bottoms on the surface 87 andfurther downward urging of the retainer block 85 causes tighterengagement of the shoulder 84 in the keyway 83. This provides an insuredtightness. Then, with the retainer block 85 and the mold bar 72 inposition, an end 88 is positioned above the retainer block 85 andsecured in place by means of screws 89 extending through the cap 88 andthe frame member 73.

Although the inflatable cushion 26 can be made of molded plastic orrubber in a single piece, the inflatable member 74 is shown to be of adifferent construction. As indicated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, it consists ofa flattened tube 74a as a main body portion which can be made of thinwall brass tubing or other metal. The ends of the tube 74a are providedwith plugs 74b which are preferably made of brass and silver soldered inplace. Also soldered at the lower end of the tube 740 is a sleeve 740which is provided with a central bore 74d which leads to an opening 740in the wall of the tube 74a so that air under pressure can be introducedinto the tube 74a. Because of the limited travel required of theexpanding walls of the tube 74a, this particular structure is quitesuited for the purpose intended, especially because of its greaterdurability over the inflatable cushion 26 made of rubber or plastic. Inaddition, as a suitable shield for the inflatable cushion 74, flatstrips 90 and 91 of stainless steel are positioned along oppositesurfaces of the tube 74a.

Another important feature of the mold section 72 is the use oftransverse grooves 92 cut into the mold action 72. The purpose of theseis to make the mold section 72 as flexible as possible so that minimumforces are required to keep the mold section 72 free of an undesirablewarpage from thermal stresses and to allow the mold section to conformto the shrinkage contour of the surface of the casting.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 7a, each of the corner inserts 27 issupported in a manner similar to each of the mold sections 14 or 72, aspreviously described with reference to FIG. 2. Further, althoughinflatable cushion 34 shown in FIG. 2 can be made of rubber or plastic,it can also have a construction similar to that which is shown in FIG.5b for the inflatable cushion 26.

As indicated in FIG. 7, the backing plate 29 or the corner insert 27 canbe provided with transverse slots 93 which are intended to make thebacking plate 29 more flexible. There is no equivalent of the backingplate 29 shown for the support of the mold sections 14 or 72. Theseslots 93 extend to intersect circular bores 94 extending transverselythrough the backing plate 29 for the purpose of minimizing stressconcentrations which can lead to cracking. The upper end of the assemblyis provided with an end cap 95 which is held in place on the framemember 32 by means of two screws 96. This end cap 95 keeps the backingplate 29 securely positioned. This arrangement makes it very simple toreplace comer inserts 27 which may become damaged or broken.

Keyed to two projecting key portions 97 and 98 at the rear of the framemember 32 are two brackets 98 and 99 which are provided with mountingholes 100 and 101 which permit securement to the upper and lower plates2 and 3 of the machine.

As indicated in FIG. 7a, there is shown the details of the lower portionof the assembly for holding comer insert 27. The bracket 99 is securedto the frame member 32 by means of two screws 102 and 103 and a locatingpin 104. The screw 102 and the locating pin 104 extend through anothermounting bracket 105 which has a vertical wall 106 against which theframe member 32 rests. An upper wall 107 of the mounting bracket 105provides support for a cover plate 108 secured to the bottom end of thebacking plate 29 and the backing plate 108 also supports the lower endof the corner insert 27. The screw 103 passes through a threaded hole109 which is sloped downwardly so that the end of the screw 103 canreact against a sloped surface 110 on the frame member 32 to therebyfirmly retain the assembly by urging the frame member 32 snugly againstthe vertical wall 106 of the mounting bracket 105. The inflatablecushion 26 is of the same general construction as the cushion 74a shownin FIG. b, as employed as a backing for the mold sections 14 or 72.However, the other type made of rubber or plastic can also be employed.However, as shown in FIG. 7a, the lower end of the inflatable cushion 26is provided with an inlet conduit 111 which is preferably silversoldered to the cushion 26 and which permits the inflating of it with asource of pressurized air. In addition, the backing plate 29 shown inFIG. 7a is provided with additional slots 1 12 which can be added alongthe front edge of the backing plate 29 to further increase theflexibility of the backing plate 29 to further minimize the forcesrequired to resist undesirable warpage or deformation due to thermalstresses.

As shown in FIG. 6 and partially in FIG. 1, the linkage box 11 has twoside walls 11a which are joined with upper wall 9, the lower wall andfront and back walls 1 lb and 1 10 to provide an entirely enclosedcontainer for the linkages required to properly actuate the moldsections.

Within each linkage box 11 is a main driven link 113 which is journaledat its lower end 114 on an eccentric portion 115 of a shaft 116. Theupper end of the link 113 is pivoted on a pin 117 to one end 118 of alink 1 19. The other end 120 ofthe link 119 is journaled on a shaft 121whose outer ends on either side of the link are journaled in a fixedposition in the side walls 11a of the linkage box 11. Adjacent to theupper end of the link 113 is another shaft 122 which extends through theside walls 11a of the linkage box 11 clear of any contact with thelinkage box 11 and journaled into the openings 18 previously mentionedas provided in the side walls 16 of the mold section support 13.Suitable bushings or other bearings can be provided for increasingdurability of these bearing connections.

Intermediate between the upper and lower ends of link 113 is another pin123 extending through the link 113 with its ends journaled in one end124 of a link 125 whose other end 126 is journaled on a pin 127 mountedat the upper end 128 of a link 129. The link 129 extends substantiallyparallel to the link 113 and has its lower end provided with a pin 130whose ends are journaled in a fixed position in the side walls 11a ofthe linkage box 11. Slightly above the lower end of the link 129 anotherpin 131 is provided in the link 129 with its ends extending laterallytherefrom and journaled to one end 132 of another link 133 whose otherend 134 is provided with a shaft 135 extending laterally from both sidesof the link 133 and through the side walls 11a of the linkage box 11without any contact thereof and journaled in the holes 19 previouslyreferred to in the side wall 16 of the mold section support 13. Suitablebushings or other bearing means can be provided in these regions fordurability, similar to what are provided for shaft 122.

Two spacers 136 and 137 are provided between the side walls 11a of thelinkage box 11 and they are suitably secured in place by screws or otherfastening means.

With the linkage arrangement disclosed, it should be apparent thatrotation of the main shaft 116 causes its eccentric portion 115 toprovide a vibratory orbital movement of the lower end 114 of the link113. This orbital motion is imparted to both of the shafts 122 and 135.Such motion is delivered to the shaft 122 directly through the link 113.Such motion is delivered to the shaft 135 through the link 125, the link129 and the link 133. Suitable variations in the positions of the shafts122 and 135 relative to the linkage box 11 can be obtained by providingthe shafts 121 and with adjustable eccentric bearing supports for theend portions of the links 119 and 129 they support which shafts 121 and130 are adjustable by rotation. The purpose of these adjustments is tovary the location of the shafts 122 and relative to the linkage box 11in order to vary the positioning of the mold sections 14 or 72 asdesired. By having variations on both shafts 121 and 130, it is possibleto vary the in and out positions of either the upper end or lower end ofeach mold section 14 without any significant change in the location ofthe other end not adjusted. In FIG. 6a, a suggested mounting foreccentric adjustment of the shaft 130 is shown. The shaft 130 isprovided with a central portion 130a which is eccentric of the centerline 1301: of the shaft 130. Two reduced portions 130c and 130d of theshaft 130 are journaled directly in bearings 130c and the free end 130fextends beyond the portion 130C. A nut 130g is threadably secured on athreaded portion 130h of the shaft 130 and ordinarily tightened againsta shoulder 130i. The eccentric portion 130a is mounted in a lowerbearing 130j which journals it to the link 129. When it is desired toadjust the spacing of the shaft 130, the nut 130gis loosened and theshaft 130 is rotated by external access to the end 130 The shaft 130 isrotated until the eccentric portion 130a rotates sufficiently toproperly adjust the position of the bottom end of the link 129. Thisadjustment of the bottom end of the link 129 in turn adjusts theposition of the link 133 and, in turn, that of the shaft 135. Similarly,the shaft 121 can be provided with an adjustment identical to that asshown for shaft 130 is FIG. 6a in order to adjust the position of thelink 119 to, in turn, adjust the position of the shaft 122.

Another manner of acquiring some adjustment, not indicated, is toprovide each link 119, 125 and 133 with a turnbuckle centrally locatedon each one. Rotation of the turnbuckle can provide lengthening orshortening of the link desired. The advantage of the eccentricadjustment is that it can be arranged for external adjustment while themachine is operating.

The main shaft 116, as indicated in FIG. 1, is coupled at 138 to thedrive shaft 139 of a driving motor 140. In the arrange ment shown, thereare four linkage boxes 1 1 because there are four mold sections shown asrequired to be driven and, likewise, there are four motors 140 fordriving them. The motors are of a standard synchronous type so that theproper phase relationship of the motion of the mold sections can bemaintained at all times during the operation of the device.

In order to maintain lateral stability of the mold sections, the moldsection supports 13 are held in position by links 141 and 142. Link 141extends between a side wall of the mold section support 13 and a bracketsecured to the undersurface of the bracket plate 2. Link 142 connectsbetween a side wall of the mold section 13 and a plate 143 whichsupports one of the motors 140. These links 141 and 142 are journaled attheir ends to allow for the movement of the mold section supports 13 asthey move through their orbital vibrations.

ln order to provide a tight, rattle-free movement of each mold sectionsupport 13 without the use of precision bearing mounts, a takeup device144 is provided on each rear brace 17 of each mold section support 13.Its components are particularly shown in FIG. 1a where each takeupdevice 144 has an outer cup-shaped shell 145 which is welded directly toa rear brace 17. Contained within a, cavity 146 of the shell 145 is aplunger 147 which bears against the outer end of a coil spring 148having an inner end which bears against the outer wall 1 1c of a linkagebox 11. Secured by screws 149 to the outer wall 1 1c is a spring endpositioning plate 150 provided with a circular opening 151 of slightlylarger diameter than that of the spring 148 so that the end of thespring 148 can be contained in this opening 151. The outer end of theshell 145 is provided with a threaded opening 152 connected with anadjusting screw 153 which can be threadably adjusted along the opening152 to provide for more or less compression of the spring 148 andthereby adjust the reaction forces of the spring 148 between the moldsection support 13 and the linkage box 11. The purpose of this springpressure is to bias all of the linkage shaft trunnion connections in onedirection to remove any slack or looseness and thereby create a tightoperating condition between the moving parts. This maintains the desiredtight condition even though the trunnion connections may not beprecision fit and permits the use of standard bearings to minimize thecost of the installation.

Further, the fact that the linkages and mechanisms associated therewithare contained entirely within the linkage boxes 1 1 without any externalexposure, there is excellent protection for these parts from dust ordirt in the area where the machine is to be used.

In the operation of the device, the synchronous motors 140 are operatedto rotate the drive shafts 139 and cause the mold sections 14 or 72 tovibrate through small orbital paths. Experience indicates that thebottom radial amplitude of vibration and the longitudinal amplitude ofvibration relative to the longitudinal axis 5 of the mold can vary overa wide range with satisfactory results, and the operating frequency canalso vary in a very wide range up to 50,000 cycles per minute and more.The amplitude selected are dependent upon the frequency chosen and thecombination of amplitudes and frequency are selected on the basis of thedesired surface condition sought on the casting and the speed of travelof the casting through the mold. Ordinarily, the opposite positionedmold sections 14 are vibrated approximately l80 out of phase with theother two mold sections. In this manner, there are substantially alwaystwo mold sections approaching the casting 20 while the other two moldsections are moving away from the casting 20. This type of movement isfully described in U. S. Pat. No. 3,075,264.

The frame members 15 are preferably made of a metal having a very lowcoefficient of thermal expansion at the operating temperatures of themachine which, in the vicinity of the frame members 15 is approximately200 F. A very suitable metal is a low expansion alloy commonly known asInvar metal having an average coefficient of thermal expansion betweenand 200 F. of about 0.7 X l0 which is very low as compared to othermetals generally. Invar" is an iron-nickel alloy having approximately 36percent nickel. It is important that these frame members substantiallyretain their shape without significant warpage due to any thermalgradient in order to provide the rigid backup for the mold sectionswhich are themselves flexible. It is important that the backup means berigid and thereby provide tensioned stability to the apparatus. If theframe members 15 did excessively warp, due to a thermal gradient, therange of free movement provided for the flexible mold sections could berestricted too much so that binding of the casting in the mold couldoccur with resultant hampering of advancement of the casting through themachine.

As alternatives for the resilient backup means shown in FIGS. 2, 5, a,and 5b, for the mold sections 14 and 72, and the corner inserts 27, aconstruction indicated in FIGS. 5c, 5d or 5e can be employed. In FIG.St, a mold section 160 identical to mold section 72 is shown mounted onthe frame member 161 similar to frame member 73, except it is machinedto accommodate a plurality of coil type compression springs 162 retainedin a plurality of recesses 163 extending in spaced relationship alongthe length of the frame member 161. These coil springs 162 react againstthe bottom ends 163a of the recesses 163 and a separator strip 164 whichis positioned against the inner surfaces 160a of the mold section 160.There is a space 165 between the strip 164 and the frame member 73 topermit the required range of movement of the mold section 160 relativeto the frame member 161 against the resilient pressure of the springs162. With this arrangcment, there is no requirement for fluid pressureas the resilient force against the mold section 160. In a similarmanner, the comer inserts 27 can be adapted with suitable springs 162instead of inflatable cushions or tubes 34.

As a further alternative construction, the parts as indicated in FIG. 5dcan be employed. The construction is similar to that which is shown inFIG. 5c, except that the recesses 166 shown are larger than the recesses163 shown in FIG. 5c. This is necessary to accommodate plungers 167which substantially surround the springs 162. These plungers 167 reactbetween the springs 162 and the separator plate 164, instead of havingthe springs bear directly on the separator plate 164. Otherwise theconstruction is the same.

In FIG. Se is still another construction which does not employ the useof springs. Instead, it is another form which employs fluid pressureintroduced through a bore 168 which is substantially similar to bore 76shown in FIG. 5a. However, the frame member 169 shown which supports themold section is provided with a passage 170 connected with the bore 168to receive fluid under pressure from the bore 168. The passage 170 isconnected by a plurality of smaller passages 171 to a plurality ofcylindrical recesses 172 which contain pistons or plungers 173 guidedfor reciprocation therein. Each plunger 173 is provided with an annularfluid seal 174 to minimize or prevent leakage of fluid from the passage170 beyond the plungers 173 in the direction of the mold section 160. Aretainer strip 164 is disposed between the plungers 173 and the moldsection 160. It should be evident that the plungers 173 when providedwith fluid under pressure from the passage 170 will cause them to bearwith resilient pressure against the retainer strip 164 to, in turn,transmit the force to the mold section 160. This effect is quite similarto that achieved when employing the inflatable cushion or tube,previously described.

It should be evident that the structure shown in FIGS. 50, 5d and 5e areall suitable constructions for providing resilient backup means foreither the mold sections 160, or the like, or for the corner inserts 27,or the like.

Although the invention has been described as one relating to aparticular type of vibratory casting machine, some of the principles canstill be applied to other casting machines employing separate moldsections as opposed to the sleeve type mold. Further, although only asingle embodiment and variations thereof of the invention have beenshown and described,

it should be clearly understood that the invention can be made in manydifferent ways without departing from the true scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavityextending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by theinside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around thecavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavitybeing a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced intosaid cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being adischarge end through which said metal can be progressively dischargedfrom said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said moldsections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said insidesurfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the firstportion of movement involving moving each of said opposed insidesurfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavityand forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving forceon the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portionof movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces inretraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movementtoward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in saidcavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by theinside surfaces of the sections is minimized, comer sections mountedwith respect to relatively rigid and inflexible support means to contactand bridge between adjacent edges of the inside surfaces of the moldsections, the inside surfaces of the mold sections and the comersections thereby collectively providing a substantially closed insidewall of the cavity, said corner sections having sufficiently small beamstrength that they are relatively flexible when stressed transversely asa beam as compared to the relatively inflexible and rigid support meanswith respect to which the mold sections are mounted.

2. Apparatus as defined by claim 1 characterized by flexible comersection mounting means located in rigid frame means for supporting saidcorner sections in their locations around the cavity, andiresilientbackup means applying a backup force reacting between the mounting meansand the corner sections for overcoming the tendency of the comersections to deform from thermal stresses within the corner sections whensubjected to the heat of the metal passing through the cavity during thecasting period.

3. Apparatus as defined by claim 2 characterized by, said resilientbackup means being in the form of an inflatable tube which provides thebackup force upon inflation of the tube with fluid under pressure, andmeans for inflating the tube with fluid under pressure.

4. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavityextending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by theinside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around thecavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavitybeing a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced intosaid cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being adischarge end through which said metal can be progressively dischargedfrom said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said moldsections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said insidesurfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the firstportion of movement involving moving each of said opposed insidesurfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavityand forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving forceon the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portionof movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces inretraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movementtoward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in saidcavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by theinside surfaces of the sections is minimized, independent mold sectionmounting means for each of said mold sections, said vibrating means havea first linkage drive means for driving each mold section mounting meansto cause the mold section attached to it to move through its vibratingmotion, said first linkage drive means for each mold section beingcontained within a separate linkage enclosure, each mold sectionmounting means being in the form of a shell at least partiallysurrounding the linkage enclosure, said linkage enclosure havingconnecting means project ing outwardly from it engaging the mold sectionmounting means to provide the driving connection for the mold sectionmounting means, and a second drive means connected to drive the firstlinkage drive means contained in the linkage enclosure for driving themold section mounting means.

5. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavityextending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by theinside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around thecavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavitybeing a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced intosaid cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being adischarge end through which said metal can be progressively dischargedfrom said cavity, said mold sections having hollowed cavities for atleast portions of their lengths through which coolant fluid can flow,each of said mold sections hav ing an inlet passage and an outletpassage for its hollowed cavity, and means for providing fluid-tightconnections at the inlet passage and the outlet passage, at least one ofsaid connections being provided by means of a tubular plunger biased bya spring means to urge the plunger tightly around the passage of themold section, said tubular plunger being provided in a fluid passageleading to a source of coolant fluid which is used as the supply ofcoolant fluid for circulation through the mold sections.

6. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavityextending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by theinside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around thecavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavitybeing a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced intosaid cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being adischarge end through which said metal can be progressively dischargedfrom said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said moldsections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said insidesurfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the firstportion of movement involving moving each of said opposed insidesurfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavityand forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving forceon the metal casting to propel it through it through the cavity, thesecond portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed insidesurfaces in retraction away from said longitudinal axis and in returnmovement toward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is insaid cavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal bythe inside surfaces of the sections is minimized, corner sectionsmounted with respect to relatively rigid and inflexible support means tocontact and bridge between adjacent edges of the inside surfaces of themold sections, the inside surfaces of the mold sections and the comersections thereby collectively providing a substantially closed insidewall of the cavity, said comer sections having sufficiently small beamstrength that they are relatively flexible when stressed transversely asa beam as compared to the relatively inflexible and rigid support meanswith respect to which the mold sections are mounted, flexible cornersection mounting means located in rigid frame means for supporting saidcorner sections in their locations around the cavity, and resilientbackup means applying a backup force reacting between the mounting meansand the corner sections sufficient to cause the comer sections to flexand remain in intimate contact against the mold sections to cause thecorner sections to conform to dimensional irregularities in the moldsections and the comer sections.

7. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavityextending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by theinside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around thecavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavitybeing a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced intosaid cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being adischarge end through which said metal can be progressively dischargedfrom said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said moldsections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said insidesurfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the firstportion of movement involving moving each of said opposed insidesurfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavityand forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving forceon the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portionof movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces inretraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movementtoward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in saidcavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by theinside surfaces of the sections is minimized, independent mold sectionmounting means for each of said mold sections, said vibrating meanshaving a first drive means for driving each mold section mounting meansto cause the mold section attached to it to move through its vibratingmotion, said first drive means for each mold section being containedwithin a separate enclosure, each mold section mounting means being inthe form of a shell at least partially surrounding the enclosure, saidenclosure having connecting means projecting outwardly from it from thefirst drive means and engaging the mold section mounting means toprovide the driving connection for the mold section mounting means, anda second drive means connected to drive the first drive means containedin the enclosure for driving the mold section mounting means.

8. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavityextending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by theinside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around thecavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavitybeing a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced intosaid cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being adischarge end through which said metal can be progressively dischargedfrom said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said moldsections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said insidesurfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the firstportion of movement involving moving each of said opposed insidesurfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavityand forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving forceon the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portionof movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces inretraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movementtoward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in saidcavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by theinside surfaces of the sections is minimized, independent mold sectionmounting means for each of said mold sections, a portion of saidvibrating means being provided for vibrating each mold section mountingmeans separate from the others, each said portion being contained withina separate enclosure, the mold section mounting means for each moldsection being in the form of a shell at least partially surrounding arespective enclosure, each of said portions of the vibrating meansprojecting outwardly of its respective enclosure and connected to drivethe mold section mounting means at least partially surrounding it.

9, Apparatus as defined by claim 8 characterized by, the enclosure foreach mold section mounting means being substantially dust tight.

10. Apparatus as defined by claim 4 characterized by, said first linkagedrive means having a main driven link eccentrically driven from saidsecond drive means, the main driven link being connected to drive oneend of a mold section support means and a second link, the second linkbeing joumalled to drive the other end of the mold section supportmeans.

11. Apparatus as defined by claim 10 characterized by, an additionallinkage mechanism mounted between the main driven link and the enclosureand between the second link and the enclosure for limiting the movementof the mold section support means, said additional linkage beingjoumalled to the enclosure by means adjustable for varying the radialposition of the mold section support means relative to the longitudinalaxis of the mold cavity.

12. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavityextending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by theinside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around thecavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavitybeing a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced intosaid cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being adischarge end through which said metal can be progressively dischargedfrom said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said moldsections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said insidesurfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the firstportion of movement involving moving each of said opposed insidesurfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavityand forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving forceon the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portionof movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces inretraction away from said longitudma axis and in return movement towardthe receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in said cavity sothat resistance to the forward movement of the metal by the insidesurfaces of the sections is minimized, comer sections mounted to contactand bridge between adjacent edges of the inside surfaces of the moldsections, the inside surfaces of the mold sections and the comersections thereby collectively providing a substantially closed insidewall of the cavity, corner section mounting means mounting said cornersections unrestrained in their longitudinal direction to pennit theirfree longitudinal extension and contraction when the corner sections aresubjected to the heat of the metal being cast through the cavity.

1. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavity extending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by the inside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around the cavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavity being a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced into said cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being a discharge end through which said metal can be progressively discharged from said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said mold sections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said inside surfaces of Said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the first portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavity and forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving force on the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces in retraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movement toward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in said cavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by the inside surfaces of the sections is minimized, corner sections mounted with respect to relatively rigid and inflexible support means to contact and bridge between adjacent edges of the inside surfaces of the mold sections, the inside surfaces of the mold sections and the corner sections thereby collectively providing a substantially closed inside wall of the cavity, said corner sections having sufficiently small beam strength that they are relatively flexible when stressed transversely as a beam as compared to the relatively inflexible and rigid support means with respect to which the mold sections are mounted.
 2. Apparatus as defined by claim 1 characterized by flexible corner section mounting means located in rigid frame means for supporting said corner sections in their locations around the cavity, and resilient backup means applying a backup force reacting between the mounting means and the corner sections for overcoming the tendency of the corner sections to deform from thermal stresses within the corner sections when subjected to the heat of the metal passing through the cavity during the casting period.
 3. Apparatus as defined by claim 2 characterized by, said resilient backup means being in the form of an inflatable tube which provides the backup force upon inflation of the tube with fluid under pressure, and means for inflating the tube with fluid under pressure.
 4. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavity extending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by the inside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around the cavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavity being a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced into said cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being a discharge end through which said metal can be progressively discharged from said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said mold sections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said inside surfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the first portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavity and forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving force on the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces in retraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movement toward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in said cavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by the inside surfaces of the sections is minimized, independent mold section mounting means for each of said mold sections, said vibrating means have a first linkage drive means for driving each mold section mounting means to cause the mold section attached to it to move through its vibrating motion, said first linkage drive means for each mold section being contained within a separate linkage enclosure, each mold section mounting means being in the form of a shell at least partially surrounding the linkage enclosure, said linkage enclosure having connecting means projecting outwardly from it engaging the mold section mounting means to provide the driving connection for the mold section mounting means, and a second Drive means connected to drive the first linkage drive means contained in the linkage enclosure for driving the mold section mounting means.
 5. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavity extending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by the inside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around the cavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavity being a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced into said cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being a discharge end through which said metal can be progressively discharged from said cavity, said mold sections having hollowed cavities for at least portions of their lengths through which coolant fluid can flow, each of said mold sections having an inlet passage and an outlet passage for its hollowed cavity, and means for providing fluid-tight connections at the inlet passage and the outlet passage, at least one of said connections being provided by means of a tubular plunger biased by a spring means to urge the plunger tightly around the passage of the mold section, said tubular plunger being provided in a fluid passage leading to a source of coolant fluid which is used as the supply of coolant fluid for circulation through the mold sections.
 6. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavity extending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by the inside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around the cavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavity being a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced into said cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being a discharge end through which said metal can be progressively discharged from said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said mold sections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said inside surfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the first portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavity and forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving force on the metal casting to propel it through it through the cavity, the second portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces in retraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movement toward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in said cavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by the inside surfaces of the sections is minimized, corner sections mounted with respect to relatively rigid and inflexible support means to contact and bridge between adjacent edges of the inside surfaces of the mold sections, the inside surfaces of the mold sections and the corner sections thereby collectively providing a substantially closed inside wall of the cavity, said corner sections having sufficiently small beam strength that they are relatively flexible when stressed transversely as a beam as compared to the relatively inflexible and rigid support means with respect to which the mold sections are mounted, flexible corner section mounting means located in rigid frame means for supporting said corner sections in their locations around the cavity, and resilient backup means applying a backup force reacting between the mounting means and the corner sections sufficient to cause the corner sections to flex and remain in intimate contact against the mold sections to cause the corner sections to conform to dimensional irregularities in the mold sections and the corner sections.
 7. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavity extending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by the inside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around the cavity with said iNside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavity being a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced into said cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being a discharge end through which said metal can be progressively discharged from said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said mold sections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said inside surfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the first portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavity and forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving force on the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces in retraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movement toward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in said cavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by the inside surfaces of the sections is minimized, independent mold section mounting means for each of said mold sections, said vibrating means having a first drive means for driving each mold section mounting means to cause the mold section attached to it to move through its vibrating motion, said first drive means for each mold section being contained within a separate enclosure, each mold section mounting means being in the form of a shell at least partially surrounding the enclosure, said enclosure having connecting means projecting outwardly from it from the first drive means and engaging the mold section mounting means to provide the driving connection for the mold section mounting means, and a second drive means connected to drive the first drive means contained in the enclosure for driving the mold section mounting means.
 8. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavity extending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by the inside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around the cavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavity being a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced into said cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being a discharge end through which said metal can be progressively discharged from said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said mold sections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said inside surfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the first portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavity and forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving force on the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces in retraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movement toward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in said cavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by the inside surfaces of the sections is minimized, independent mold section mounting means for each of said mold sections, a portion of said vibrating means being provided for vibrating each mold section mounting means separate from the others, each said portion being contained within a separate enclosure, the mold section mounting means for each mold section being in the form of a shell at least partially surrounding a respective enclosure, each of said portions of the vibrating means projecting outwardly of its respective enclosure and connected to drive the mold section mounting means at least partially surrounding it.
 9. Apparatus as defined by claim 8 characterized by, the enclosure for each mold section mounting means being substantially dust tight.
 10. Apparatus as defined by claim 4 characteriZed by, said first linkage drive means having a main driven link eccentrically driven from said second drive means, the main driven link being connected to drive one end of a mold section support means and a second link, the second link being journalled to drive the other end of the mold section support means.
 11. Apparatus as defined by claim 10 characterized by, an additional linkage mechanism mounted between the main driven link and the enclosure and between the second link and the enclosure for limiting the movement of the mold section support means, said additional linkage being journalled to the enclosure by means adjustable for varying the radial position of the mold section support means relative to the longitudinal axis of the mold cavity.
 12. Apparatus for continuous casting of metal of a type having a cavity extending longitudinally therethrough open at its ends and formed by the inside surfaces of a plurality of mold sections located around the cavity with said inside surfaces disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, one of said open ends of said cavity being a receiving end through which molten metal can be introduced into said cavity and the other of said open ends of said cavity being a discharge end through which said metal can be progressively discharged from said cavity, vibrating means connected to vibrate said mold sections to cause a plurality of opposed surfaces of said inside surfaces of said sections to vibrate in closed loop paths, the first portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces of the sections toward said longitudinal axis of said cavity and forward toward the discharge end thereof to provide a driving force on the metal casting to propel it through the cavity, the second portion of movement involving moving each of said opposed inside surfaces in retraction away from said longitudinal axis and in return movement toward the receiving end of said cavity while said metal is in said cavity so that resistance to the forward movement of the metal by the inside surfaces of the sections is minimized, corner sections mounted to contact and bridge between adjacent edges of the inside surfaces of the mold sections, the inside surfaces of the mold sections and the corner sections thereby collectively providing a substantially closed inside wall of the cavity, corner section mounting means mounting said corner sections unrestrained in their longitudinal direction to permit their free longitudinal extension and contraction when the corner sections are subjected to the heat of the metal being cast through the cavity. 